early childhood education

Saturday, April 29, 2017

This program, as a whole has been such a great educational
journey for me, rom the foundation of early childhood education, on down to the
capstone project. I have had the pleasure of becoming familiar with some of the
most insightful features that contribute to the making of early childhood.
Understanding that Early Childhood programs cater to serving children and
families with fair and equal treatment, Equity has become one that I have
learned to take more consideration for, as that families should not be treated
any different than the next, regardless of race, skin color, of background,
which is what leads to another significant learning that has sparked my
interest, in which I have carried throughout this course, Anti-bias education. Anti-bias
education, is specifically for the use of disregarding biases in the early
childhood field. My definition of bias is the attitudes of individuals that display
prejudice and stereotyping of another individual simply because they are not willing
to accept the difference of each other. I really enjoyed learning about
anti-bias because I have realized how important it is to have such a practice
in this field, which compliments equity and person Identity. Speaking of
personal identity, which was another great learning for me in this program. As
we all know that no two people are EXACTLY the same, we have the right do be
comfortable with embracing our own personal identity, as well as giving and receiving
respect from others and their personal identities. Learning about Microaggressions
was also a great topic to learn about, whereas we as humans can oftentimes say
offensives comments to individuals that focuses on their personal identity,
race, culture, etc. There were many great topics that were touched on in this
program and I hope to carry them with me long-term.

My long term goal is to keep searching for more sources in
the childhood education field and learn more about one day being able to become
an early childhood professional. Ultimately, I plan to one day put my goals
into action one day and work towards my goal in my capstone project.

I have really enjoyed working with all of my fellow
colleagues, you guys rocked!! Thank you for all of your help and support. Keep
striving for success and move forward. Take care.

Special thanks to Dr. E, you are a true definition of a
professor. Thank you very much for always being there when I needed your
assistance. From the quick reply emails and the helpful tips throughout my
discussions and applications. I wish you well and I am sure you will have this
affect on your next group of students, take care.

Saturday, April 15, 2017

The Language Bank at the American Red Cross helps break down
language barriers by providing interpretation and translation services for
limited English speakers and organizations serving limited English speakers in
our community. (Red Cross). The Red Cross is an organization, which can also be
served as a community of practice. There are other services that the Red Cross
provides, But I happened to make this as a preferred choice because of their
commitment of the Language bank= to those of different cultures and speak a different
language with limited or no understanding of the English language. I feel that
the joining of this organization/COP could be very helpful to the diverse
families of early childhood.

The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership: five
institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build
shared prosperity in developing countries. Although the World bank is mostly an
international organization for those facing poverty, it also provides helpful
services of many kinds that help families face obstacles and barriers that are
possibly preventing them from the necessary needs to be provided, such as
lacking in certain languages or being denied from them because they do not
speak a language or cannot speak fluently in that language.

I chose MIUSA due to the fact that they cater to children
and families of non-native English speakers and ESL (English Second Language) and
LD (Learning Disabilities) learners, in attempt to provide equal access. This
organization deals primarily with the rights and services of the diverse
individuals with disabilities on a national level.

That Early Childhood and School Age Childcare services will
meet national quality standards with the promotion of children’s health,
wellbeing, learning, and development at the heart of policy and practice The
Rights of Children – we acknowledge the intrinsic worth of all children and
their right to flourish and achieve their own potential.(NCN). Some of their principles and values are:

Parents – we recognise and value parents and families as the
child’s primary educator

Quality – we value those who work to achieve and maintain
national quality standards in childhood services and recognise the impact of
quality services on the enhancement of children’s health, wellbeing, learning
and development. (NCN)

CPD Required training courses are as follows:

The NCN Training Office has a validated programme of
training at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications called the NCN
Early Years Training Programme. This programme consists of eight modules and is
flexible in that a learner can join the programme for as many or as few modules
as they need. The programme consists of the following:-

Programme Module Programme Module Code

Child Development 5N1764

Early Care and Education Practice 5N1770

Early Childhood Education & Play5N1773

Child Health & Well Being 5N1765

Work Experience 5N1356

Communications 5N0690

Special Needs Assisting 5N1786

School Age Childcare 5N1781

I was unable to locate any jobs for these sites, available or unavailable.

I chose this in particular as a source for assisting to meet the needs of the non-English speaking families I believe contacting the organization, asking for assistance on working with diverse families could help as well. I have also decided on practicing the principles of the “No Child Left Behind Act” to implement my choice of collaborating with individuals for the needs of all diverse families to ensure that needs are properly and equally met.

NAEYC’s network of Affiliates provide excellent opportunities for members to participate in activities at the state and local levels. Contact your local or state NAEYC Affiliate for information about service opportunities in your area.

Many NAEYC programs offer leadership opportunities as reviewers or consulting editors. In addition, current NAEYC members are eligible to serve in governance as members of the NAEYC Governing Board or the Council for NAEYC Accreditation of Programs for Young Children. View current opportunities in the chart below.

NAEYC formed the Young Professionals Advisory Council in Fall 2015 in order to help us better understand and meet the needs of the youngest members of the profession. Click to learn more and view the full roster. YPAC members serve a two-year term; applications open in July each year.

(DOJ), is the agency that I chose to refer to in protection of my limited and non-English speaking families and their services.

USAJobs.gov allows you to search for openings by location or keyword. You can also search for openings within a specific Department of Justice agency. Become a My USAJobs Member to post and create a resume, apply to Federal Government jobs, and receive automated job alerts.

I decided to adopt the “Child Safety” from the Queensland Government in Australia. The Queensland Government is international organization that offer services such as, the Queensland Multicultural Resource Directory, available through the Multicultural Affairs Queensland website.

I saw no job opportunities for the Queensland Government.

The NAEYC showed no requirements for position, being that all were currently filled from what I could see. and the Department of Justice required applicants to create an account through USA jobs and fill out an application and upload a resume.

Unfortunately, most of the links to these programs are not actual organizations or communities of practice, but happen to offer great sources. as the NAEYC offers special services and information regarding culturally and linguistically diverse families, such as dealing with the issue at hand. The Mississippi State Department of Health happened to be one of my favorites, in which they offer services to culturally diverse families all through the state of Mississippi and each county divided into nine districts. For employment purposes, I read how there are employees who work as language translators for the non-English speakers. If I were to be fluent in speaking another language, I would definitely be interested in a position such as this.

The other links that I located were mostly resources that serve as guides on developing skills for the diverse families and the benefits that may possibly follow. This is the beginning of a long journey for me. I do not feel that I located the best resources for my project, however, I am still searching.﻿

Friday, March 3, 2017

This course has been very interesting and educational for
me. I learned things that were simple but hardly recognized and taken for
granted, when it was practically right at my fingertips the entire time.
Throughout this course and program as a whole, I can recall some of the heartfelt
lessons that I would not mind sharing at all. Understanding that working with
diverse children and families means not only that we just teach children of
different races and cultures for 6 or eight hours a day, but to respect them,
love them and accept them for exactly who they are, not matter their identity,
sex, age, religion, physical ability or appearance and any other make up about
them that makes them difference. I believe that I have adopted the idea of “teaching
to strength” mostly because I felt that this was a reversal technique that
seems to reap many benefits for the better. As early childhood educators, why
not learn to remember and speak on more of the accomplishments of the child
than failures? “Unfortunately many of our assessment tools work that way, we
try to figure out what children don't know so that we can make sure that we can
catch up, and we can teach them what they don't know.” (Laureate Education
2011). Secondly, I enjoyed learning how to and the importance of communicating.
I have realized how important it is to sometimes sit back and actively listen
to children, which can even help you answers question you have in mind without
even having to actually ask. Lastly, I felt very intrigued about learning of
children with varied disabilities, the discomforts they may possess, along with
misconceptions, as well as for other children they come in contact with. From the
different scenarios I have read, I have learned how to handle negative
situations in these cases to make a positive turnout for both parties.

I do
not think that I can say it any clearer than this, but by describing those
three aspects of my learning experience for this program. I hope to be able to
someday each and every aspect of those listed above and have the strength,
courage and knowledge to influence someone else to do the same as I did, and
the same for someone else as well.

I would
like to thank Dr. Pickens for being such a great instructor. Thank you for such
insightful messages and compliments throughout my discussions, applications and
blogs. I enjoyed your class and I will miss it. To my colleagues, you all
REALLY ROCK!! I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with each and
every one of you. I appreciate your comments and inputs that helped me to
broaden my thinking when it came to certain topics. I will miss you all very
much!! I hope all is well and I wish you all the best of luck in your future :}

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Throughout
my life, I have occasionally observed the unfairness and treatments that we
have become victims of here in the U.S, only to realize that we are one of the
most privileged countries in America, unlike many others. Being young and
uneducated on the harsh realities of children and families in other countries
of the world, I have gained a new perspective. I am sure many of us have never
been outside the U.S. to actually witness how difficult it is to survive in
some countries. Gladly, I was allowed the opportunity to choose a country to
elaborate on the misfortunes and challenges that would affect the emotional
development of children living in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Emergencies,
as of Natural disasters can leave a negative impact on the lives of young
children. “In a region already prone to natural disasters, the impact of
climate change is an additional threat, further endangering the lives of
children and families, inflicting an insidious toll.” (UNICEF, 2011). When a
young child experiences incidents such as these, it can be quite traumatizing
for them. Not being able to fully understand the reason why things of this sort
happens to them can leave them in a state of depression, not to mention the
possibility of living in poverty, or losing a family member from death or
separation.

It always breaks my heart to hear or see that
children are facing trials that are usually beyond their control. Thanks for
the UNICEF, they have made a way support the children and families as well.

Learning
of situations such as these, should make us all become even more thankful than
what we are for having what we have, because some have less than us. I pray for
these children and families.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

When it comes to inputting on the topic of the sexualization of early childhood, in all honesty, I must admit that I am not shocked at all about the comments and sayings of young children and their exposure to sexuality that society has placed upon them, The most saddening part about this issue is that many of the people and companies that portray images for the sake of children are solely that are responsible for their actions. Sadly, children face so many manipulative perpetrators, who use different hosts in disguise to send subliminal messages of sex, in which they fall victim of becoming familiar with their sexuality at such young ages. "Children growing up today are bombarded from a very early age with graphic messages about sex and sexiness in the media and popular culture." (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).

From a personal perspective, I can recall witnessing how young girls are dressed up by their parents, fashion designers and makeup artists just to be on live television to compete with other young girls. the lengths that these parents go and use their children for entertainment purposes is a sad case overall. the picture above in this post depicts the many enhancements that a child goes through to resemble a "beautiful woman" As you can see, this child looks no more than about nine years old. Television shows nowadays show more physical attraction than ever, even for children. kissing scenes in cartoons are just absurd and possibly give children to impression that it is ok to kiss someone you like. dating scenes with middle school children, give children the idea that they should have a boyfriend/girlfriend. Life is moving too fast with all of the sexual perceptions and children are tying their best to follow the trend.

The impacts on children and the sexualization in early childhood can be lead to very negative impacts, such as accessibility to pedophiles and rape, young girls becoming pregnant too early, and many other factors. when children grow up too fast, they many see the need to run away from home, drop out of school, or possibly become addicted to drugs.

It is very necessary to monitor our children and see that they are disengaged to such sexualization as much as possible. with the high ratings of sexuality among us now, we may see it as impossible to conquer such a task, but speaking with them and guiding them in the right path can be a first step to eliminating such an issue.

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men"-Fredrick Douglas

My Name is Diedra Palmer and I am 28 years old. I have a 1-year old son named Khalil and I am an aspiring Early Childhood Education Major. I have a Bachelor's Degree in History and I am Currently a Records clerk for my school District in Mississippi. I have had many decisions to come and go along the way, but hopefully I will one day be able to run my own daycare center in the near future. I have always had a small passion for the little ones and I would like the chance to be a helping hand in mold them into being successful beings in the future.